Introduction:
Our motherland had given birth to many famous freedom fighters who fought for our independence. India achieved freedom after a century of revolution, blood-shedding, and battles. We obtained independence through hard work and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters organized many movements against the British and at last, succeeded in their aim. Let us know about one famous freedom fighter who inspired and encouraged people to work for their country due to his patriotism.
Allurui Sitaramaraju was such a great freedom fighter and he fought for the freedom of the nation in spite of many struggles and hardships. His story to achieve freedom is more inspirable and vigorous. He was a great and courageous leader who fought for India’s freedom. He chose non-violence to fight against the Britishers.
The legend:
If the revolutionary slogan goes to life and sacrifice is personified, it will certainly be Alluri Sitaramaraju. The story of Alluri was a source of inspiration for many revolutionaries, in India. The warrior who fought for Indian independence, the hero from the Telugu land, is the Thunderbolt Alluri Sitaramaraju. He was one who fought with arms against the rulers of the British. Alluri fought for the rights of the people and for independence. Today, let us commemorate the great leader mother India had seen in the history of Indian independence.
The armed conflict that he fought was a special chapter in the independence movement. The warrior gave his life at just 27 years of age, with very limited resources.
Sitaramaraju was born on July 4, 1897. In 1908, his father died of a cholera outbreak during the Godavari Pushkars. The loss of a father at the age of sixth grade brought a major change in his life. He was wandering around the hills and forests, observing the way of life of the tribes. At this time he learned astrology, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda. From an early age, Sitaramaraju had a great deal of devotion, leadership qualities, and charity. He meditated overnight in temples, hills, and cemeteries.
In those days, people in the East Godavari hilly regions were subjected to many atrocities, exploits, and injustices at the hands of the British. Property looting and the abduction of women were common. The tribal life was miserable. The British have banned the cutting of trees in the name of protecting forests. The tribes were made as day laborers for construction works. Contractors were not even giving the wages properly.
Alluri Sitaramaraju decided to fight for the cause of tribes' welfare. He explained their rights to them, boosted their morale, and prepared them to resist injustice in any form. People used to come to him for advice and dispute resolution. He became the leader of the people of the surrounding 30 and 40 villages. He mobilized the tribes, taught them traditional warfare and guerrilla warfare, and prepared them to fight.
Alluri Sitaramaraju favored skill development, land reforms, and technological up-gradation in agriculture. His most significant contribution has undoubtedly been enlightening the tribes about values of liberty, equality, and secularism. He dedicated his life to the uplifting of tribals. He was opposed to the theory of caste-based superiority and social discrimination. He worked relentlessly for the rights of the depressed class. He gave inspiring self-confidence to the tribals. He was in the favour of education and equal rights to everyone. He has been regarded as a ray of hope, for tribals during the early 19th century. He emerged as the leader of the underprivileged and his views were consistently been inspiring the oppressed, depressed, and downtrodden classes. He had imprinted his mark of talent and vision in the Indian freedom struggle. He inspired others to join the struggle and because of this, the countryman united with the bond of nationalism and patriotic feeling. He was considered to be the propelling force behind the success of our freedom struggle.
Bastian, the Tahsilir, was the most ruthless of the British authorities who exploited the tribes. Ramaraju complained to the authorities about this. No action was taken on it. However, Bastian sent a report to the government on Ramaraju. The essence is to depict Ramaraju as motivating tribes for revolution. The government, which had already observed the spirit of the tribes, wanted to keep the king away from the tribes.
The first stage of the revolution began with the attack on police stations and with the capture of weapons. He attacked the police station in Rampachodavaram with 300 revolutionaries, tearing up records and carrying guns and ammunition. This was followed with an attack on Krishnadeva Peta police station and Rajawommangi police station. The British government, with a series of blows, appointed officials in the area of Chintapalli to end the revolution.
In December 1922, the British deployed armed troops under the leadership of Saunders. Raju continued the fight, strengthened by tribal volunteers using bows and arrows. The Government entrusted the task of containing Raju's activities to the District Collector of Visakhapatnam district, Rutherford. Raju was trapped by the British in the forests of Chintapalli and was executed by gunfire in Mampa village. His tomb is in Krishna Devi Peta village.
His unimaginable sacrifice, hardships, pains, and hard work deserve an eternal salute from all Indians. He had a short life and yet a most remarkable one. He was truly a multi-faceted personality. He was a Champion for the Welfare of Labourers. Thus, I re-iterate Alluri Sitaramaraju as one of the foremost runners for achieving a free India.
Conclusion:
Today’s Independent India was the endeavor of Alluri. He will always be remembered for his patriotism and love for the country. Every year people celebrate Republic and Independence Day to give a tribute to their victory. However, communal hatred rises day by day among people which is the disrespect of making freedom in India. So, we should stand in solidarity for a united India and try to bring peace to life. Then only we can respect the struggles and sacrifices and make a developed and prosperous country. We shall be brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future. Service for the nation means the service to the millions who suffer. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. Today, when we live in this free country, it's our duty to honour his sacrifices and aim to live together in harmony and peace, ensuring Social Justice. We have to labour and work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Let us once again salute the great leader of our Nation, Alluri Sitaramaraju.